Family in shock after man dies at same farm as brother
A MAN has been killed in an accident at the same farm where his brother died in a similar incident five years earlier.
Neil Ironside, 47, died on Saturday morning at Auchlinn Farm, in the Fisherie area of Turriff, Aberdeenshire.
It is thought the father of two, from Netherley, Kincardineshire, was operating heavy machinery when the incident occurred.
His brother, Alan Ironside, 39, was involved in a fatal accident in 2013 when he was dragged into a combine harvester in a field near the family farm.
Police, ambulance and fire crews were called to Auchlinn Farm around 11am on Saturday but Neil could not be saved. Investigating officers are working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to piece together exactly what happened.
Turriff councillor Iain Taylor, who knows the family, said: ‘We are absolutely shell-shocked and that’s how they [the family] must be feeling.
‘He had a successful business in Aberdeen and my understanding was he was coming back to the family farm. Sad is not the word, it’s tragic. It’s absolutely horrendous. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.’
Mr Taylor added: ‘It’s very traumatic for the farming community, it’s desperate for the local community and even more so for the family. We are all shocked and saddened.’
Donald Law, who owns the Lairhillock Inn, close to Mr Ironside’s home in Netherley, said: ‘It’s just an absolutely tragic loss for everyone. He was a devoted father and husband. Everybody is in complete shock.’
A police spokesman yesterday confirmed Mr Ironside’s death.
He said: ‘We were called to a farm in the Fisherie area of Turriff in relation to the sudden death of a 47-year-old man around 11am on Saturday, November 10.
‘There are no suspicious circumstances. Police are liaising with the Health and Safety Executive and as with all sudden deaths, a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.’
A fire service spokesman said a crew of seven firefighters from Turriff had attended and made the scene safe.
A Health and Safety Executive spokesman said: ‘HSE is aware of the incident and is supporting Police Scotland who are leading the investigation.’
A fatal accident inquiry into Alan Ironside’s death, held in 2016, heard he was killed after trying to clear a straw blockage in a combine harvester.
He was pulled into the machine when his father Andrew accidentally switched it on, causing fatal neck and head injuries.
Sheriff Philip Mann told the hearing that the type of accident was ‘all too familiar’ in the farming industry.
Funeral details are yet to be announced for Neil Ironside, who was described by his family as a ‘much loved and loving husband’ and a ‘devoted dad’.
He is survived by his wife Jenny and daughters Beth and Emily.